I don’t see why you wouldn’t ED?? There is nothing to lose.

My Arlington DD had a great test score (1490), not-stellar grades (3.7 UW, 4.0 W), but a strong story for her interest in environmental sciences -- ECs, essay, science grades. She chose not to ED to W&M (wasn't interested in UVA) because she wasn't 100% sure she wanted to go there. Got waitlisted in RD with the spring-start option. I was surprised she was even waitlisted so she might have gotten in if ED'd. Her BFF got in ED with similar grades, not as strong SAT.

Very different schools, despite stats for admitted students being almost identical. ED to the one you really want to go to. Reddit has lots of discussions on students who have considered the tradeoffs, transferred from one to another, etc. Suggest you start there, as well as with some visits. My DD also learned a lot by observing actual classes and through the interview process at W&M. I would be careful about assuming ED2 to W&M is as advantageous as ED1. They don't release the stats, but I have heard anecdotally there are more deferrals, especially because they have the RD apps in at that point.

The schools are different enough that one probably "fits" your student better, and your student will seem like a better fit from the AO perspective. EDing to that one (as opposed to trying to figure out which of the two has "more likely" ED stats) will likely yield a better outcome for your student.

Anonymous wrote:Good luck, OP. I hope you have a kid with stellar stats - highest rigor, nothing less than an A, discovered a cure for cancer, and founded their own nonprofit.

+1

I would ED to your choice. Many of the spots from your area will be taken during ED leaving not as many for RD.

IED1 to UVA and ED2 to WM because UVA doesn't have ED2.

UVA said ED has no benefit?

You can see the benefit from their CDS.

Last year, ED admit rate was 24%.

RD admit rate was 16%.

This year:
VA ED accept rate 29.5%
VA RD accept rate 11%

OOS ED accept rate 21%
OOS RD accept rate 9%

Anonymous wrote:Good luck, OP. I hope you have a kid with stellar stats - highest rigor, nothing less than an A, discovered a cure for cancer, and founded their own nonprofit.

Not far off

Anonymous wrote:Are you or your spouse alums of W&M? If so I would recommend ED there bc otherwise it could hurt RD chances. That might have changed in the last year or two but up until recently legacy is a factor

No.

Anonymous wrote:Are you NoVa?

Yes, North Arlington.

Good luck, OP. I hope you have a kid with stellar stats - highest rigor, nothing less than an A, discovered a cure for cancer, and founded their own nonprofit.

Are you or your spouse alums of W&M? If so I would recommend ED there bc otherwise it could hurt RD chances. That might have changed in the last year or two but up until recently legacy is a factor

Are you NoVa?

We can't afford OOS or private tuition so need to go with one of these two. I know UVA says applying ED has no benefit but is that really true? And at W&M, could you just show a lot of interest and get a similar effect as applying ED? TIA